Ricardo Ortega is running for Area 2 on the Antelope Valley Community College Governing Board in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election. The nonpartisan seat is also sought by Arthur J. Calloway II and Newton Chelette, according to BallotReady election data.
Ortega, who lists his ballot designation as "CEO/Educational Advocate" on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk candidate list, said on his campaign website that his background as a former foster youth shapes his approach. "As a former foster youth, Ricardo knows what it means to face barriers—and what it means when education, mentorship, and public service create a path forward," his campaign website states.
Candidate information
- Name: Ricardo Ortega
- Race: Antelope Valley Community College Governing Board, Area 2
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Ballot designation: CEO/Educational Advocate
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California (claimed by the candidate)
Experience and public service
Ortega lists the following experience on his campaign website:
- Chief executive officer at Pax Imperium
- Statewide policy and legislative manager at California Youth Connection
- Transitional Age Youth Program Manager at NAMI Greater Los Angeles County
- Board member at California Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth
- Youth commissioner at Los Angeles County Youth Commission
- Immigration commissioner at California 65th Assembly District under Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson
- Civil service commissioner at City of Huntington Park
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Ortega's campaign website responses. Each reflects the candidate's own stated platform.
Student success and completion: Ortega said he would expand counseling, tutoring, academic planning and early support systems at Antelope Valley College so more students finish a degree, certificate or transfer pathway.
Career and workforce pathways: Ortega said AVC should connect students to careers in healthcare, aerospace, logistics, skilled trades, education, public service and technology. He said he would support stronger workforce partnerships in those fields.
Transportation and campus access: Ortega said students across the Antelope Valley often travel long distances to reach campus. He said he would work to address transportation, parking and access barriers.
Equity and first-generation support: Ortega said he would push for policies that close equity gaps for Latino students, Black students, first-generation students, English language learners, foster youth, veterans and working adults.
Affordable college and basic needs: Ortega said college costs extend beyond tuition to textbooks, transportation, food and rent. He said he would advocate for basic needs support, textbook affordability, emergency assistance and partnerships that help students stay enrolled.
Endorsements
The following endorsements are listed on Ortega's campaign website or on the endorsers' own social media pages:
- Fiona Ma, California state treasurer (via Facebook post)
- Jacqui Irwin, California State Assembly (via Facebook post)
- George Whitesides, U.S. House of Representatives
- Laura Friedman, U.S. House of Representatives
- Los Angeles County Democratic Party
- Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs
- SEIU UHW
- UNITE HERE Local 11
Candidate information in this profile is drawn from a South Bay Tide questionnaire, the candidate's campaign website and public records. Responses reflect the candidate's own statements unless otherwise noted.
